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The Story Behind the Stories in My Photography

 Thank you for taking the time to explore my work. Photography, to me, is a meditative act—an opportunity to be fully present and notice the smallest details. The interplay of colour and light, the textures and shapes, the shift of an expression, a gesture — these subtle moments bring me pure joy. They are why I love storytelling and creating visual poetry.

Every image in my portfolio is born from a moment of connection or curiosity. Whether I’m in a bustling city street, a quiet room, or a remote location, I aim to create photographs that resonate with empathy. Take "The Cyclists," for example—what appears to be a simple scene of people pedalling along the pier transforms into a visual symphony of movement and stillness, the hurried energy balanced by the serene focus of the riders. This interplay between action and calm often draws me in.

Cyclists

I’m drawn to capturing the essence of a person—their inner world, not just their outward appearance. My approach often dances between the posed and the unposed: sometimes I’ll guide my subjects into a moment of stillness; other times I let life unfold naturally, unpredictably and raw. In "Japanese Mona Lisa," for instance, the subject's gaze holds a quiet mystery, as though she is on the edge of revealing a secret. It’s that balance—the delicate line between revelation and reticence—that keeps me excited about the power of photography to open your imagination.

Portrait of Japanese lady

You might notice a storytelling quality in my photographs. That’s intentional. Like Steve McCurry, whose images suggest a deeper narrative beyond the frame, I strive to capture slices of life that make you wonder about the moments before and after the shutter clicks. "Carnival Action" is a perfect example. At first glance, it’s a blur of colours and motion. But look closer—there’s a moment of pure stillness and eye contact amid the swirl of excitement. These are the moments that make me pause and click the shutter to send you an invitation to, look closer.

Carnival

I’m constantly inspired by the world around me. Joel Meyerowitz once said that the streets are astonishingly surprising, and I feel this every time I step outside with my camera. In "Friendly Face," the simple act of meeting someone’s gaze in the street becomes a moment of intimacy. The light catches their expression just so, inviting you into their world. It’s these fleeting connections—moments most might overlook—that make photography a way for me to celebrate life’s gifts.

Portrait of a man smiling.

Another layer of my work is my fascination with different cultures and communities. I prefer to photograph as a participant rather than a distant observer. In "Travelling Through Japan," for instance, I wasn’t just documenting the scene; I was immersed in the journey with the man wheeling his box adorned with Japanese flags. When you respect and truly care for the people in front of your lens, the camera becomes invisible, letting trust and honesty take centre stage.

Man wheeling a cart down the street in Kyoto.

What truly binds my work is a belief in celebrating beauty. In "Glow," the play of light on Magda’s hair and skin turns an everyday moment into something that reveals her inner spiritual beauty. By unveiling the extraordinary within the ordinary moments, I hope to share how much richness lies within life’s quiet corners.

Portrait of a lady.

I hope my photography is powerful because it feels personal yet speaks universally. It’s deeply rooted in the art of observation and connection, drawing viewers into moments they might otherwise overlook. 

Each image is a small act of reverence—toward people, places, and the rhythms of daily life. In a world overwhelmed by fleeting, surface-level visuals, I extend an invitation to pause, reflect, and engage more deeply with the world and humanity around us. The power of great work lies in blending emotional sensitivity with technical skill, creating work that is heartfelt yet refined.

I hope my photography leaves a lasting impression. I will always relentlessly pursue further growth and exploration in my practice.

I’ll leave you with this thought: at its best, photography is an act of generosity. Like Cartier-Bresson waiting for the decisive moment, I try to photograph with an open heart, fully aware of the world unfolding before me. The result, I hope, is not just a picture, but an experience—one that resonates with you as deeply as it did with me when I pressed the shutter.

This is what drives me to photograph. This is the story behind the stories you see in my images.

Thank you for reading.

Paul Indigo

https://linktr.ee/paulindigo

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